Rattlesnake Mountain Public Access Act (H.R. 1157; 113th Congress)

by Doc Hastings

113th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1157

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 14, 2013

Mr. Hastings of Washington introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To ensure public access to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain in the Hanford Reach National Monument for educational, recreational, historical, scientific, cultural, and other purposes.

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the “Rattlesnake Mountain Public Access Act”.

Sec. 2. Findings

Congress finds the following:

(1) The Hanford Reach National Monument is public land that belongs to the American people.

(2) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Monument restricts public access to large portions of the Monument, including the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain.

(3) Public access to Rattlesnake Mountain is important for educational, recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural purposes.

(4) Rattlesnake Mountain reaches an elevation of 3,660 feet above sea level—the highest elevation of the Monument, and provides unparalleled scenic views over the Monument, the Hanford Site, and the Columbia River.

(5) Public access to Rattlesnake Mountain will increase tourism interest in the Monument and will provide economic benefits to local governments.

Sec. 3. Ensuring public access to the summit of rattlesnake mountain in the hanford reach national monument

(a) In general–

The Secretary of the Interior shall provide public access to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain in the Hanford Reach National Monument for educational, recreational, historical, scientific, cultural, and other purposes, including—

(1) motor vehicle access; and

(2) pedestrian and other nonmotorized access.

(b) Cooperative agreements–

The Secretary of the Interior may enter into cooperative agreements to facilitate access to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain—

(1) with the Secretary of Energy, the State of Washington, or any local government agency or other interested persons, for guided tours, including guided motorized tours to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain; and

(2) with the Secretary of Energy, and with the State of Washington or any local government agency or other interested persons, to maintain the access road to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain.